Mass Exodus as Troops Fight 240 Bandits at Zamfara-Kebbi Border

Security forces have launched a coordinated operation to repel an estimated 240 armed bandits who reportedly crossed from Zamfara State into parts of Kebbi State, triggering panic and the evacuation of residents in affected communities.

The operation involves troops of the Nigerian Army’s COAS Intervention Battalion 3 under 8 Division, the Air Component of Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA and personnel of the Mobile Police Force.

According to security sources, the bandits emerged from the Sangeko Gap in Zamfara State and advanced towards Makuku town in Kebbi State on motorcycles.

The armed group is reportedly operating in three separate formations, raising concerns among security agencies over the scale of the movement and its possible impact on surrounding communities.

The development has forced some residents to abandon their homes and seek refuge in safer locations as ground troops and police personnel move to contain the attackers and prevent them from advancing further.

The Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA is also providing aerial support to the ground forces as the security agencies intensify efforts to disrupt the bandits’ movement and prevent them from establishing a foothold in the area.

The reported movement of a large armed group along the Zamfara-Kebbi axis has heightened tension in communities around the border, which have continued to face security threats from criminal groups operating across state boundaries.

Residents in the affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant and comply with directives issued by security authorities while the operation continues.

The latest confrontation comes amid sustained military operations across the North-West aimed at dismantling bandit networks, rescuing kidnapped victims and restoring security in vulnerable communities.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not announced any official casualty figure or confirmed the final outcome of the ongoing engagement.